Since the passing of Roe v. Wade about 41 years ago, there have been many steps to improve women’s access to contraceptives, abortion and health checkups.

Being a woman, I see that all these abilities are very important to have as an option, even if I may never use all of the facilities available. While much of the news focuses on the negatives, I want to talk about the positives.

Emergency contraceptives have become over-the-counter products that do not require an ID when being purchased. This means better access and affordability.

Since the Affordable Care Act passed, almost all women have no copay for their birth control prescription. Now, women who choose to take birth control, and have insurance that fully covers the prescription can make reproductive decisions with next to no cost.

Also notable is the change in attitudes of many pharmacists. Pharmacists are now more willing to talk to women about health care options. This is a new era for reproductive health, and while we may have taken a few steps back, I hope we keep taking far more steps forward.

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